Cleome lutea (Beeplant)
Capparaceae (Caper Family)

Semi-desert, foothills, montane. Woodlands, openings. Spring, summer.
Indian Creek near Canyonlands National Park, May 19, 2004.

Beeplant often grows in very noticeable large colonies.  The pincushion appearance (exserted stamens) of the flower is unusual, characteristic, and attractive.  Capers are the pickled flower buds of another member of this family.

Linnaeus named this genus in 1753 and William Jackson Hooker named the species in the mid-1800s.  The word "Cleome" is of uncertain origin and "lutea" is perhaps from the Latin for "yellowish".

Cleome lutea (Beeplant)
Capparaceae (Caper Family)

Semi-desert, foothills, montane. Woodlands, openings. Spring, summer.
Indian Creek near Canyonlands National Park, May 19, 2004.

Click to see more Cleome lutea.

Click to see Cleome serrulata.

Cleome lutea (Beeplant)
Capparaceae (Caper Family)

Semi-desert, foothills, montane. Woodlands, openings. Spring, summer.
Indian Creek near Canyonlands National Park, May 19, 2004.

Cleome lutea (Beeplant)
Capparaceae (Caper Family)

Semi-desert, foothills, montane. Woodlands, openings. Spring, summer.
Indian Creek near Canyonlands National Park, May 19, 2004.